Meet the Team
The choir is run by an elected Committee and supported by a constitution.
The Committee is as follows:
Janet Burns BEM
Chairman
Colin White
Treasurer
Terry Rowley
Vice Chairman
Stephen Ibbetson
Assistant Treasurer
Sally Whittingham
Secretary
Sue Rowley
Website & Publicity
Andy Brown
Concert Secretary
Andris Ugulis, Musical Director
We are fortunate to have the services of a hugely-talented Musical Director in Andris who joined The Fairburn Singers in October 2015.
He achieved his Bachelor degree at the F. Vitols Latvian Academy of Music, formerly known as the Music Conservatory in Riga, Latvia (1989-1993) specialising in choir and symphony orchestra conducting. After gaining his degree he worked as a musical director, choir and symphony orchestra conductor, taking part in many international choir festivals and tours in Italy, Germany, Norway, Finland, Australia, Canada and the USA, both as a conductor and professional choir member.
His musical career continued when he moved to the UK in 2009 and he is currently Musical Director for The Fairburn Singers, The Chevin Singers, Castleford Choral Society, Barnburgh Male Voice Choir, Castleford Male Voice Choir and Chesterfield Male Voice Choir, as well as the organist at St Edward the Confessor Church in Barnsley. He is also a private vocal coach and piano teacher.
When not involved with music, Andris enjoys travelling, playing chess and watching ice hockey.
Mandy Jones, Accompanist
Born and raised in Southport, Accompanist Mandy Jones ,developed a passion for the piano at a young age. From the age of 11, she played for diverse audiences including the Boys Brigade, a local ballet school, various amateur dramatic groups, and even alongside a professional clown. Together, they toured the UK, where she met and performed alongside numerous celebrities.
Upon relocating to Yorkshire in 1994, Mandy took on the role of a school’s pianist, engaging with over 2,000 pupils weekly. Her dedication eventually led her to assume responsibility for the entire music curriculum at Victoria Primary School in Leeds, and she also provided invaluable support in speech and language therapy for students.
During her tenure, Mandy also played piano for the Micklefield Male Voice Choir, an experience that opened doors to involvement with several other choirs.
Choosing to trade the classroom for the concert hall, Mandy retired early from her school position. She now leads a fulfilling schedule accompanying the Fairburn Singers, Featherstone Male Voice Choir and Barnburgh Male Voice Choir. Additionally, she serves as Deputy at Castleford Male Voice Choir and is an organist at Micklefield Church.
Rehearsals
Rehearsal Venue: Fairburn Church Hall, Silver Street, Fairburn, WF11 9JA Parking available on-site.
Tea break of 15 minutes with a Rota for serving refreshments and a voluntary raffle each week.
Rehearsal Day/Time: Every Monday 7.30pm-9.30pm (not during August)
